Gazprom asked Ukraine to buy Russian gas for the first time in its independence, - Poroshenko

For the first time in 24 years of its sovereignty, Ukraine has finally managed to get rid of the dependence on Russian gas.

Gazprom was compelled to persuade the Ukrainian side to buy Russian blue fuel. This was stated by President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko during his working visit to Ivano-Frankivsk, Censor.NET reports citing Ukrinform.

"For years, Russia has kept us on a gas hook. Last year, Putin cut off gas supplies to Ukraine, and I had to start each day with negotiations with our European partners seeking to ensure reverse supplies of European gas. We held out last winter. As soon as we demonstrated we would not allow any blackmailing, Gazprom came to us in March asking: "Will you possibly take a little bit of our gas?" This happened for the first time in 24 years of Ukraine's independence," Poroshenko said.

However, according to the president, these steps are not enough: "We need to restore the Ukrainian oil and gas industry. I rely not only on the capabilities of the Ukrainian oil and gas sector but also on the scientists."

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